Page 300 - America's Failure to Perceive the PKK

It is important to remind one thing here: We would not in any way
approve Iran's practices like ferocity, intrusion or execution. Yet, it is
important to take into consideration the example of Iran in terms of
deterrence and display of power. As can be seen in the statements of
Karayılan, the Iranian missiles lined up on the border, and the arms
and troops of Iran caused tremendous panic in the PKK's ranks, to such
an extent that the PKK came to a point that it had to state that it has no

relation to PJAK, even though it is actually a branch of the PKK. It
apparently appealed for mercy from Iran, and begged Iran to abide by
the ceasefire it was forced to declare. This was the outcome of this Iran-
ian power play. Certainly, Turkey, too, has a strong army and capaci-
ty. It will be beneficial to implement the deterrent attributes of Iran but
not its anti-democratic practices, and possibly further collaborate with
Iran in the struggle against the PKK. In the following pages, this topic

will be dealt with in detail.

2. The village guard system should be reinforced

The village guard system is one of the most substantial defense
mechanisms that have dealt a major blow to the PKK in the Southeast.
The beautiful Kurdish community of the Southeast risked their lives
for years but never gave free passage to the communist terror organi-

zation that made its way by exploiting the notion of Kurdish national-
ism. Even during the period when the Ergenekon terror organization
was committing ruthless persecution in the region – this topic will be
articulated in subsequent parts – they did not lose heart; getting
strength from their fear of God, their faith, and love for their homeland
and nation, they turned their bodies into shields. A majority of the
provinces and villages of the Southeast at no time turned into a hearth

and home for the PKK due to the courageous and brave struggle of
these unnamed heroes, and it was not even possible for the PKK to take
a step into these territories. A total of 70,000 village guards loyal to

298 America's Failure to Perceive the PKK